Patriot® Braking System
Owner’s Manual & Installation Instructions
BRK2012
Patent Pending
THANK YOU
for purchasing a Patriot braking system from Blue Ox®. We’ve organized this manual to make your
installation simple and as trouble-free as possible. Please read before operating the brake. Keep your
sales receipt and this manual in a safe place so that both are available for future use if needed.
®
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2/4/14
Patriot® Braking System
Welcome to the Blue Ox® Experience
Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a Patriot® braking system.
Welcome to the Blue Ox® Family. The braking system that you have purchased combines quality
components with the latest in technology and style. We are confident that these design features will
provide you with the conveniences you expect during your travels. After you understand how to properly
and safely operate and care for your Patriot®, expect years of trouble-free operation and service backed
by a two year limited warranty.
Please read all of the technical documents, warnings, cautions, tips, and notes in this manual before
attempting to operate your Patriot® for the first time. Improper installation, use or maintenance may result
in malfunction causing personal injury or property damage. Please fill out and return your warranty card
or register via our web site at www.blueox.com within ten days of delivery. For future reference, your
serial number is located on the outside of the manual packaging and is also located on the bottom of your
Patriot® unit.
Equipment Information Record
Customer Name: ______________________________________
Date Purchased: _______________________________________
Purchased From: ______________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
City:____________________
State: ___ Zip Code: _________
Phone Number of Dealership: ____________________________
Installed By: __________________________________________
Service #: _____________________________________________
Model #: _____________________________________________
Serial #: ______________________________________________
Notes: ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
!
WARNING
!
Fully understand these instructions before
installing. Improper installation and/or operation
can create a hazard which can cause serious
injury, property damage or death. Improper
installation and/or operation will void the warranty.
WARNING
Always follow the towing procedures in your
vehicle’s owners manual.
Do NOT modify your Patriot® in any way NOT
authorized by Blue Ox®, as it will void the
warranty.
DEALERS AND DISTRIBUTORS:
PLEASE give these instructions to the customer so they fully understand the set-up,
operation, and safety precautions of this braking system.
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Patriot® Braking System
Unpacking your Patriot®
Remove the Patriot® and accessories from the shipping carton, review parts list and diagram below. Make sure
that you have the appropriate items shown below. If NOT, please contact a Blue Ox® Dealer or Distributor, or
call a member of the Customer Care Team at (402) 385-3051 to order replacement parts.
Contents:
1.Patriot® Unit
2. 2-Way RF In-Coach Controller
3. Brake Feet
4. Breakaway Switch
5. Breakaway Lanyard
1
6. Breakaway Cable
4
2
6
3
5
Important:
USE ONLY GENUINE FACTORY REPLACEMENT PARTS. Do NOT substitute homemade or non-typical parts. This
may cause your brake to fail and result in injury or death. If repair parts or components are needed, you may order them
through your nearest Blue Ox® Dealer or Distributor, or call our Customer Care Team at (402) 385-3051.
Safety & Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements for mobile and base station transmission devices, a separation distance
of 20 cm or more should be maintained between the antenna of this device and persons during operation. To
ensure compliance, operation at closer than this distance is not recommended. The antenna(s) used for this
transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
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Patriot® Braking System
Jog Switch
Carrying Handle
Information
Display
One-button Set-up
Actuator Arm
Brake “Claw”
Adjustable
Push Pad
Plug-In Port
On/Off Switch
12 Volt Receptacle
(2 Amp Max)
Patriot® Brake Unit
RF Remote Unit
Manual Override
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Patriot® Braking System
In Towed Vehicle
Initial Set-Up
1. Open the driver side door of the towed vehicle and push the
driver seat back as far as possible.
2. Place the Patriot® unit on the floor.
3. Open the brake claw and place it on the brake pedal. (Figure 1)
Reference page 6 for claw operating instructions
4. The feet can be attached and adjusted for proper height
position for uneven floorboards.
Note: Do not store or transport with the feet attached to the unit.
Figure 1
5. Slide the driver seat forward against the push pads. Adjust the
push pad up or down for proper height position in relationship to
the seat.
Note: Seat must be as far forward as possible without causing
the brake lights to be activated. If the seat can’t be moved
forward far enough, an arm extension is available.
6. Plug in the power cord into a 12 volt power source. The
indicator light will glow.
7. Turn on the power switch. (Figure 2) The display will read
“INITIALIZING”.
Figure 2
Note: If using a breakaway, it must be connected first prior to
turning on power to the unit.
8. Push the “SET-UP” button. (Figure 3) The brake will stroke
three (3) times then remain in the ready position.
Note: If the brake extends fully and remains extended without
stroking three times, the seat is not far enough forward. Turn
the brake off then back on. Reposition the seat as far forward
as possible without causing the brake lights to be activated then
restart set-up process.
Figure 3
In the Motor Coach
Find a sturdy, easy-to-reach location to mount the RF in-coach
controller. The dashboard is the suggested mounting point, but
anywhere that is secure and accessible to the driver will work.
Using the Velcro provided, attach one side to the desired mounting point, and the other side to the controller.
Note: The Patriot® Brake can be used with or without the RF
controller. We recommend using the controller for the operational
feedback, but the brake can be set without the RF controller.
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Figure 4
2/14/14
Patriot® Braking System
Locking Brake Claw Operating Instructions
To Open:
1. Place your thumb on top of the claw and place your pointer finger under the back ledge (right).
Pinch your fingers together until the claw locks in place (left).
To Close:
2. Position the claw onto the brake pedal.
NOTE: You can adjust the size of the claw by changing
where the top fangs are mounted.
3. Press the button on top of the claw to close the claw or
push the front button against the brake pedal.
Caution: Make sure your fingers are not between the
upper and lower half of the claw when you press the
button.
To Lock:
4. If the claw is open, you can turn the knob one quarter
turn to the left to lock it open.
If the claw is closed, you can turn the knob one
quarter turn to the left to prevent it from locking open.
If the claw is locked, turn the knob one quarter turn to
the right to unlock it.
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Patriot® Braking System
Installation Notes
When installing the Patriot® on hybrids/vehicles with continuous power assist brakes or if the user gets the
“REPOSITION BRAKE” error twice in a row while trying to set-up their brake, then they should do the following:
1. With the brake plugged in but powered off, hold down the SET-UP button while powering on the unit. Once it
lights up you can release the set-up button.
2. Once it is finished initializing, the screen will read “MODE: FORCE”. Hit the JOG switch to the left so that the
screen now reads “MODE: POSITION”. Press SET-UP to select this setting.
3. The next screen will read, “MAX FORCE”. Press SET-UP again at this screen.
4. The brake should read “SETTINGS SAVED!” and automatically restart.
These setting will be stored in the memory and remain until a user goes through this procedure again and changes
them. With these settings, the brake will work on ANY vehicle.
For a traditional vehicle, the GAIN setting should be kept between settings 5 and 9.
In a hybrid vehicle, the GAIN setting should be kept between settings 1 and 3.
Operating Instructions
1. Plug the 2-Way RF In-Coach Controller into an available 12 volt outlet.
2. The large number on the display represents the sensitivity setting of the Patriot® Brake; it will automatically
be set to 5 when activated.
3. Turn the “GAIN” knob to the left or right to adjust this setting. The lowest setting (0) puts the tow brake
on stand-by and will apply no pressure to the brake (except in a breakaway). Settings 1 through 9 will
incrementally increase the pressure applied.
4. On the bottom of the RF Controller there is a “MANUAL OVERRIDE” lever. Pressing down on this lever will
cause the Patriot® to press down on the brake pedal.
Note: This is a progressive lever; the lever controls the braking according to the level set on the RF controller.
This acts like a trailer brake and is useful in wet weather to keep the towed vehicle in line.
5. If the error light turns on, check the display screen on the Patriot® unit and refer to the list of possible display
messages for assistance. After addressing the problem, turn off the Patriot® and restart the set-up procedure.
6. If a breakaway switch is installed and plugged in, the “BK / AWAY ON” LED should be on. Follow the
instructions provided. The breakaway switch should be installed and plugged in before turning the brake on.
7. Anytime the towed vehicle is started up, the Patriot® needs to be reset.
8. Go through the set-up procedure again if the unit is shut off for any period of time or if the battery in the unit
goes dead.
Disconnecting
Perform these steps each time you remove the Patriot®.
1. Turn off the Patriot®. Unplug the Patriot® power cord from the 12-volt accessory outlet.
2. Adjust the driver’s seat as far back as possible.
3. Unhook the brake bracket from the brake pedal. Unplug the breakaway clips from the Patriot® control panel
(if applicable).
4. Lift the Patriot® out of the vehicle.
CAUTION: Shut off the unit and unplug the RF when you stop driving for the day. Don’t leave the unit
plugged in all night, it could drain your car battery.
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Patriot® Braking System
Troubleshooting/Error Codes
Issue: If your remote is not receiving a signal or to pair a new or unpaired remote module.
On the Remote:
First, make sure the brake unit is plugged in and turned on. Hold down the “MANUAL OVERRIDE” lever while
plugging in the remote cord. Once the unit begins to light up, you can release the lever. A blinking “A” will appear
on the Remote LED screen indicating the unit is in “SEARCH MODE”. Once the remote changes from a blinking
“A” on the LED to another character the remote is now paired and will remain so until this procedure is repeated.
On the Brake Unit:
Turn power to the brake unit off. Make sure the remote unit is plugged in. Firmly depress the JOG switch to
the left AND simultaneously hold down the SET-UP button while powering on the unit. Once the unit begins
to light up you can release the buttons. The screen should read “REMOTE SEARCH” and will only accept
radio communication from the energized remote device. Once the unit finds the remote the screen will read
“REMOTE FOUND”. Then automatically reset and come up in normal operation mode.
Each step should take approximately 10 seconds. Once a set is paired, go through the normal set-up and make
sure everything is functioning.
Note: Make sure the GAIN knob on the remote changes the gain displayed on the remote itself and also on the
brake, and make sure that the Manual Override actually applies the brakes).
Error Codes:
Error messages DO NOT show up on the RF remote inside the RV but on the brake itself. You are notified of
an error on the RF, but the error messages are displayed on the brake. The following chart has details of the
error messages in the Patriot. Each error has a corresponding code number that will show up in the remote.
Listed below are codes that will show up during normal operation.
LED Numeric Display Indication
Non-flashing “0” through “9”
Flashing “0” or “A”
Flashing “1”
Flashing “2”
Flashing “3”
Flashing “4”, with intermittent beep
Flashing “5”, with intermittent beep
Flashing “6”, with intermittent beep
Flashing “7”, with intermittent beep
Flashing “8”, with intermittent beep
Flashing C”, with intermittent beep
405-0260 Rev A
Description
Control Unit in READY state (normal operation),
indicates current braking gain setting.
Control Unit in RADIO SEARCH state (looking for
Remote Unit radio transmission to store MAC address).
Control Unit in INITIALIZING state (retract actuator).
Control Unit in POSITION state (manual jog).
Control Unit in SETUP state (pump brake pedal 3
times).
Control Unit in CAR BATTERY LOW state (retract
actuator, no braking function except breakaway).
Control Unit in UNIT NOT LEVEL state (not currently
implemented).
Control Unit in REPOSITION state.
Control Unit in BREAKAWAY state (maximum
braking applied).
Control Unit in BRAKING TIMEOUT state (retract
actuator, no braking function except breakaway).
Communications error (Remote Unit not receiving
radio transmissions from Control Unit).
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Patriot® Braking System
Error Code Explanations:
FLASHING “4” WITH INTERMITTENT BEEP - UNIT IN CAR BATTERY LOW
What does this mean? The car battery low error comes on when the car voltage drops below 10V (unfiltered
reading) or the unit battery is low. This means that the brake has detected that the towed car’s battery is very
low. It may not be completely dead yet; however, it is probably close. The brake will go into an idle state and
not work for normal braking. It will work in the event of a breakaway!
It is highly recommend, but not mandatory, that you pull over and charge the towed vehicles car battery or
charge the unit’s battery. Make sure to go through the set-up procedure again prior to resuming driving.
FLASHING “5” WITH INTERMITTENT BEEP - UNIT NOT LEVEL
What does this mean? Brake may be too far off level for the accelerometers to function properly. Adjust the feet
on the brake in order to level the unit as much as possible.
FLASHING “6” WITH INTERMITTENT BEEP - UNIT IN REPOSITION STATE
What does this mean? If the user gets the reposition brake error two (2) times in a row while trying to set-up
the brake, the following should be done:
•
With the brake plugged in, but powered off, hold down the SET-UP button while powering on the unit.
Once it lights up you can release the set-up button.
•
Once it is finished initializing, the screen will read “MODE: FORCE”. Hit the JOG switch to the left so
the screen reads “MODE: POSITION”. Press SET-UP to select this setting.
•
The next screen will read “MAX FORCE”. Press SET-UP again at this screen.
•
The brake should read “SETTINGS SAVED!” and automatically restart.
These settings will be stored in memory and remain until the user goes through this procedure again and
changes them.
FLASHING “7” WITH INTERMITTENT BEEP - UNIT IN BREAKAWAY STATE
What does this mean? Either the car actually did breakaway or the breakaway pin was pulled out and the
brake is being fully applied. Pull over, secure the car, reset the brake, go through the set-up again and then
continue driving.
FLASHING “8” WITH INTERMITTENT BEEP - UNIT IN BRAKING TIME-OUT STATE
What does this mean? After the brake has been applied for a long duration of time, whether it is due to actual
braking or if you hold down the “manual brake lever”, the brake will automatically retract itself and it will give
this error code. This is to prevent possible damage to the brakes of the towed vehicle. When this error occurs,
the brake will go into an idle state and will not work for normal braking; however, it will work in the event of a
breakaway!
It is highly recommended that you pull over and check the towed vehicle. You will need to reset the brake and
make sure to go through the SET-UP procedure again prior to driving.
FLASHING “C” WITH INTERMITTENT BEEP - COMMUNICATIONS ERROR
What does this mean? The 2 way RF in coach controller is no longer communicating with the Patriot® Brake.
The brake is still fully functional and should return to normal operation within a few seconds. This may be due
to the position of the controller, if the problem persists contact Blue Ox® customer care.
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Patriot® Braking System
Breakaway Installation
The Breakaway system automatically activates the Patriot® to apply the brakes on your towed vehicle in the
event the motor home separates from the towed vehicle. This type of emergency system is required by most
states and provinces.
Mounting the Breakaway Switch
1. With the pin facing the motor home, secure the breakaway switch onto the front of the towed vehicle in a sturdy
location. This should be a convenient location which can be easily reached, and if possible, on the driver side.
Note: The breakaway switch must be mounted directly on the towed vehicle and not to be installed on the tow
bar or bracket. The surface must be strong enough to hold the breakaway switch and allow for the pin to be
pulled out cleanly.
2. Make certain that the switch is securely attached, and that the pin can be removed from the switch without any
interference. Plug the cable into the breakaway switch.
3. Install the breakaway switch using a bolt and lock nut. Do not use a self tapping screw.
Connecting the Breakaway Switch to the Patriot® Brake
There are two different ways to attach the break-away device to the Patriot® Brake. Use the method which is most
convenient for you.
Method 1: Through the firewall
1. Look for a pre-existing hole in the firewall, if no hole exists, drill a ½” diameter hole. Insert a grommet into hole.
Note: Make sure not to damage any components on either side of the firewall while drilling.
2. Find a path for the cable through the engine compartment to the firewall. Use wire ties to secure the cable.
Make sure to avoid any hot or moving engine parts.
3. Insert the cable into the grommet and pull the excess slack into the driver’s compartment. Seal around and
inside of the grommet with silicone sealant.
4. Plug the cable into the Patriot® Brake.
Note: When not in use, the cable can be tucked away .
Method 2: Feeding the cable through the door/window
1. Find a path for the cable through the engine compartment to the rear of the hood/base of the windshield, on the
driver’s side. Use nylon ties to secure the cable so that it is avoiding any hot or moving engine parts.
2. Either roll down the window and thread the cable through, or open the door and thread the cable through. Make
sure excess slack is safely coiled inside the driver’s cockpit. Once the cable is through and connected, close the
door/window.
! WARNING
Be sure the breakaway cable is kept
clear of the tow bar, safety cables,
electrical cord or any moving parts.
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Patriot® Braking System
Patriot® Accessories
If you would like to order any of these accessory parts for your Patriot®, please contact a Blue Ox® Dealer
or Distributor, or call a member of the Customer Care Team at (402) 385-3051 to order these parts.
BRK2503: The seat stiffener works with any drop in
tow brake on the market. It provides a larger surface
area on the seat for the brake system to push against.
This means you get better, more responsive braking.
If you continually get a “reposition brake error” this will
help solve that problem.
BRK2502: If the seat can’t be moved forward far
enough, this brake rod extension is available to be
inserted between the brake claw and the actuator arm.
Also, if there is a low steering column/dashboard which
touches and interferes with the brake, this extension
can be used.
BRK2506: In order to protect your Patriot® while not in
use and to keep all accessories together, a protective
bag is available.
Note: The claw and feet must be removed to fit into the
protective bag.
BRK2505: There is one (1) breakaway switch included
with your Patriot®. An additional switch for a second
vehicle can be used.
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Patriot® Braking System
Care and Maintenance of your Patriot® Braking System
Your Patriot® unit requires a minimal amount of care and maintenance. If you do not feel confident
in your ability to perform the occasional maintenance, consult your Blue Ox® Dealer or Professional
Installer, or see a Blue Ox® representative at a rally or race that you plan to attend. The following
will inform you of the areas of your Patriot® that will need periodic inspection and/or care and
maintenance.
Care
Do NOT use any type of solvent or spray cleaner on the Patriot® braking system. The recommended
cleaning procedures for the Patriot® are to wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. Wipe down with
a dry cloth.
Store in a clean, dry place.
Maintenance
It may be necessary to occasionally lubricate the brake bracket with silicone spray.
Patriot® units will need approximately 8 hours of charge time over a 3 month period. The car does
not need to be on during this time. Also, the unit can be left plugged in for any period of time without
causing damage.
- REMINDER -
The maximum current that can be drawn on the
Patriot® is 2 amps.
Operating temperature of the Patriot® is between
-20ºF and 120ºF
CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITMENT
Blue Ox® is committed to providing you with exceptional customer care throughout your lifetime
with our products. Our team is here to assist you with any questions you may have regarding the
performance of your product. Simply call (402) 385-3051 and you can speak with our customer care
team.
Additionally, please visit our website to see which rallies our Destination America team will be
attending. For a nominal fee, our service technician will service your towing system to ensure it’s in
proper working condition. Also, as a commitment to our customers, should you visit our factory, you
can stay at our full service Blue Ox® campground at no charge along with enjoying a factory tour.
Again, thank you for being our customer and for the confidence you have shown in the performance
of our products. It is because of customers like you we enjoy the success we have today.
© 2014 Blue Ox
One Mill Road, Industrial Park
Pender, Nebraska 68047
Phone: (402) 385-3051
Fax: (402) 385-3360
www.blueox.com
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